Matt Ross: It’s Baaaaaack...Cats vs Lightning (Part Deux)

The effort last game was how they’ve been playing through the first 10 games. Last game was just their best game to date. They better bring that same effort against the champs tonight. They have been fun to watch.
There really is something to the “tougher and harder to play against” mantra that Zito focused on from his first day.

I thought the last game was the best I've seen the Panthers play in at least a couple of years. While they've generally played strong this year (minus one or two periods), they really took it up to 11. This proves they can play at the level we suspected and expected.

(We saw some glimpses last year when they twice overcame 4-goal deficits to win. Of course, prior to that, they twice fell into 4-goal holes. The TBL game was a complete performance end to end.)

Do it again tonight; score first (and second and third) and this could be a real breakthrough rather than another false trail.

I expect an even more physical game tonight, but I don't think that will bother the Panthers as in past seasons because the Cats can take it and dish it out now. This year's team is definitely harder to play against.

Go Panthers!

Never was a fan of the old navy blue jerseys, but the reverse retros with the new shade of gold are flippin awesome. And of course, they have THE logo going for them.

Bob starts again tonight. Let’s go Panthers!!

Jameson Olive
✔
@JamesonCoop
#FlaPanthers lines this morning:

Verhaeghe - Barkov - Connolly
Huberdeau - Wennberg - Hornqvist
Vatrano - Luostarinen - Tippett
Lomberg - Lammikko - Acciari

Weegar - Ekblad
Nutivaara- Stralman
Yandle - Gudas

As cool as ut would be to get the rev ret jersey i already have a couple jerseys of the former logo and not a single one of the new jersey so i should probably get that first. The wife dont get it shed be like whyd you get that you already have some...

As cool as ut would be to get the rev ret jersey i already have a couple jerseys of the former logo and not a single one of the new jersey so i should probably get that first. The wife dont get it shed be like whyd you get that you already have some...
- Shynes57

She’ll never understand the need for more jerseys...haha.

I thought the last game was the best I've seen the Panthers play in at least a couple of years. While they've generally played strong this year (minus one or two periods), they really took it up to 11. This proves they can play at the level we suspected and expected.

(We saw some glimpses last year when they twice overcame 4-goal deficits to win. Of course, prior to that, they twice fell into 4-goal holes. The TBL game was a complete performance end to end.)

Do it again tonight; score first (and second and third) and this could be a real breakthrough rather than another false trail.

I expect an even more physical game tonight, but I don't think that will bother the Panthers as in past seasons because the Cats can take it and dish it out now. This year's team is definitely harder to play against.

Go Panthers!
- JimboCoppertone

Right there with you on this point, Jimbo. I thought they looked great - tough, confident, controlling the play, etc. Totally competent.

Never was a fan of the old navy blue jerseys, but the reverse retros with the new shade of gold are flippin awesome. And of course, they have THE logo going for them.

Bob starts again tonight. Let’s go Panthers!!

Jameson Olive
✔
@JamesonCoop
#FlaPanthers lines this morning:

Verhaeghe - Barkov - Connolly
Huberdeau - Wennberg - Hornqvist
Vatrano - Luostarinen - Tippett
Lomberg - Lammikko - Acciari

Weegar - Ekblad
Nutivaara- Stralman
Yandle - Gudas
- Ratsreign

I’m down with Bob getting the start again. Why not?

Interesting to see Connolly on the first line...

Again, lines 3/4 are looking awesome to me.

Honestly, for the first time in a long time, this whole lineup is solid. Very cool see.

If the Cats keep playing like they did in the last game, then the wait is over - the Panthers are back as real competition.

Looks like Cirelli and Stamkos are both out. This is another golden opportunity and it means I will probably be drinking tonight. LOL.

If the Cats keep playing like they did in the last game, then the wait is over - the Panthers are back as real competition.

Looks like Cirelli and Stamkos are both out. This is another golden opportunity and it means I will probably be drinking tonight. LOL.
- GalacticStone

I think it’s going to be a good game. Expecting the Lightning to come out heavy - so we’ll see how it goes.

Interesting how it took connolly only 1 game to light the lamp playing with barkov. Whats duclairs excuse now?

Interesting how it took connolly only 1 game to light the lamp playing with barkov. Whats duclairs excuse now?
- Shynes57

Connolly was able to hit the empty net. Duclair's missed a couple of those.

It’s good to see the Panthers beat a team not named the red wings or Blackhawks

It’s good to see the Panthers beat a team not named the red wings or Blackhawks
- BernardShakey

...or the Blue Jackets or Predators...

As cool as ut would be to get the rev ret jersey i already have a couple jerseys of the former logo and not a single one of the new jersey so i should probably get that first. The wife dont get it shed be like whyd you get that you already have some...
- Shynes57

just tell her that jerseys are kinda like shoes...

Duclair clears protocol and will play tonight. Lammikko will sit.

Duclair clears protocol and will play tonight. Lammikko will sit.
- Ratsreign

Just saw that. Good news.

Cats looking sharp. What a great look.

Yup me likey the dark unis

Eeeewwwwy that was not a very good 4 min pp

Christ wennberg worst thing you could have done there

Boooo retro reverse! They are cursed. Playing like absolute garbage tonight. Shoulda left duclair out left lineup alone

Something got lost in translation from last game to tonight...

Everyone still a duclair hopeful? I think barkovs look there going to commercial says hes done with him

...or the Blue Jackets or Predators...
- Ratsreign

Yes. They are world beaters.